Available online 26 January 2023, 100635

A worldwide pandemic infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of a deadly disease called COVID-19. Interaction of the virus and the Angiotensin converting-enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor leads to an inflammatory-induced tissue damage. Thymus vulgaris L. (TvL) is a plant with a long history in traditional medicine that has antimicrobial, antiseptic, and antiviral properties. Thymol and Carvacrol are two important biological components in Thyme that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. This study is a molecular review on the potential effects of TvL and its active compounds on SARS-COV2 infection.

This is a narrative review in which using PubMed, Scopus, ISI, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, Google scholar, and Arxiv preprint databases, the molecular mechanisms of therapeutic and protective effects of TvL and its active compounds have been discussed regarding the molecular pathogenesis in COVID-19.

Thyme could suppress TNF-alpha, IL-6, and other inflammatory cytokines. It also enhances the anti-inflammatory cytokines like TGF-beta and IL-10. Thyme extract acts also as an inhibitor of cytokines IL-1-beta and IL-8, at both mRNA and protein levels. Thymol may also control the progression of neuro-inflammation toward neurological disease by reducing some factors. Thyme and its active ingredients, especially Thymol and Carvacrol, have also positive effects on the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and intestinal microbiota.

Accordingly, TvL and its bioactive components may prevent COVID-19 complications and has a potential protective role against the deleterious consequences of the disease.

renin-angiotensin system

angiotensin-converting enzyme

angiotensin-converting enzyme II

transmembrane serine protease 2

angiotensin II receptor type 1

angiotensin receptor blockers

cardio vascular disease

acute respiratory distress syndrome

brochalveolar lavage fluid

Transforming growth factor beta

Thymus vulgaris L

Thyme

COVID-19

SARS-COV2

infection

treatment

© 2023 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.